Compute magnetic flux density: a flux of 5.5 µWb passes through a cross-sectional area of 6 × 10^–3 m^2. What is B?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 917 µT

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Flux density B measures how concentrated magnetic flux Φ is over an area A. It is directly used in core design, sensor calibration, and magnetic circuit analysis. Converting units carefully (microwebers to webers) and applying the B = Φ / A definition are the keys here.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Magnetic flux Φ = 5.5 µWb = 5.5 * 10^-6 Wb.
  • Cross-sectional area A = 6 * 10^-3 m^2.
  • Uniform distribution of flux over the area (standard assumption for calculation).


Concept / Approach:
Use the fundamental relation B = Φ / A. Then convert the resulting tesla value into microtesla (1 T = 10^6 µT) to match typical engineering magnitudes for small flux/large area scenarios.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Write formula: B = Φ / A.Insert values: B = (5.5 * 10^-6 Wb) / (6 * 10^-3 m^2).Compute ratio: 5.5 / 6 = 0.9167; 10^-6 / 10^-3 = 10^-3.So B ≈ 0.9167 * 10^-3 T = 9.167 * 10^-4 T.Convert to microtesla: 9.167 * 10^-4 T = 916.7 µT ≈ 917 µT.


Verification / Alternative check:
Dimensional check: Φ in Wb divided by A in m^2 yields Wb/m^2, which equals tesla. Magnitude check: small flux over millimeter-scale area gives sub-millitesla values; hundreds of microtesla is reasonable.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 91.7 µT: Off by a factor of 10 due to a power-of-ten slip.
  • 9.7 T or 91 T: Unrealistically large; would imply extreme fields not supported by the given micro-weber flux and millimeter-scale area.


Common Pitfalls:

  • Mistaking µWb for Wb, causing six orders of magnitude error.
  • Forgetting to divide by the area in square meters.


Final Answer:
917 µT

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